Like other types of infections, hospital infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Healthcare settings are an ideal environment for infections, because these are places where infected persons and persons at increased risk for infection gather together. Other factors increase the risk for the spread of infection, such as crowded conditions within the hospital, frequent transfers of patients from one unit to another, and the concentration of patients at high risk for infection together in the same area. Infections can also be caused by contaminated objects, medical devices, and other materials with which the patient may come into contact.

All hospitalized patients are at risk for hospital infections, but some people are at greater risk than others. Children and the elderly are two groups with the highest risk for infection. In addition to age, there are a number of key risk factors that can contribute to the likelihood of getting a hospital infection. These include:

• Failure of healthcare workers to wash their hands between patients and before procedures
• Failure of visitors to wash their hands before and after a hospital visit
• A prolonged hospital stay
• Weakened immune system
• Poor nutrition
• Overuse of antibiotics

There are certain medical procedures that will also increase the risk of infection. In most cases, these are procedures that involve some type of medical device being inserted into the body. Some common procedures that will increase your risk of infection include:

• Catheterization of the bladder
• Surgery and the dressing of surgical wounds
• Respiratory procedures requiring the use of a breathing tube
• Use of intravenous (IV) procedures to deliver nutrition or medication
• Dialysis